Re-sign Davis for cheap. It's extremely low-risk at this point because Davis has played his way out of any kind of substantial contract They need a defensive stopper Otherwise, a strike-shortened season would be perfect for this team as constituted for both of the reasons I listed on my own post: less games and a longer offseason to heal up and rest upPosted by Artist-Frmrly-Knwn-As-NickC1188

I agree with you about the shortened season. If they have a season next year, it is a good possibility that it could be a shortened season. I will be very disappointed if their is no NBA next season, but it definitely could happen. Not sure what has happened to Davis during the playoffs this year. I would imagine that Danny doesn't intend on resigning him, but you can never be sure.

I think the big three are back next year, hopefully with a few roster additions like a defensive-minded swingman and another big man because Shaq looks done. How Ainge can pull this off I don't know, but if he hopes to lure Doc Rivers back for another year he better improve this roster.

But I wouldn't put it past Danny to try to take advantage of those expiring contracts to get some pieces to rebuild with. If he's convinced that this team has peaked and some team sees Ray or KG as the missing piece to a championship, stranger things have happened (Perk for Green for example). I can't imagine this happening, especially with Pierce and Rondo here for the long term.

If the C's lose the Miami series I think anything is possible in terms of changes for next year.

- All you GM Wanna B's , you Know Better's , you Negatives, the BigThree will be back next year with Rondo. Get used to it. Have fun with your fantasies, but try to stay connected with reality. If you ain't a fan, then don't pretend to be a fan. LoLPosted by RajonRondowski

There will likely not be a next year and if there is it will be an abbreviated one and yes the Cs will have the same team. And with a new CBA and potentially a hard cap, etc. there will be almost no player movement. Imagine starting the season January 1st with a trading deadline at Feb 25th... nobody will get traded.

Then the following year the Cs would have to do a sign and trade with several guys that are close to the end just to attempt to get some players in here to replace the BIG 3.

Then when all that is done we will have a point guard that will take up 20% of the cap..... remember how that contract was team friendly and a steal? A point guard that can't shoot and all of a sudden won't have any hall of famers to pass the ball to...... sounds like the Cavs to me.

In Response to Re: Same Team Next Year - Get Used to it. : The Celtics only have Pierce, Rondo, and most probably Jeff Green under contract for the 2012-13 season. Don't be surprised if Ainge keeps it that way as Dwight, CP3, and D-Will are all free-agents at the end of the 2011-12 season. Expect the Celts to be the 7th or 8th seed next season. And don't expect Ainge to make moves to improve the team's roster next season. Posted by Fiercest34

You're right, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the same roster next year with a vet min swing man and/or big man. I know it makes sense to keep those contracts and aim for the FA's you mention, but just maybe a deal presents itself where picks and players come this way for a vet. It probably makes sense to ride it out and use those salary slots. But then again, Ainge isn't gun shy either.

I don't understand why fans conjecturing about the future of the Celtics is in some way being "disloyal" or not being a fan. Perhaps they'd like to see a different make-up to the team? Debating strategy or debating future "moves" is inherent to being a "fan." Liking the make-up of a team regardless, is akin to being brain dead. People can have views and opinions and not be disloyal fans. If the Celtics come back with fundamentally the same group next year it is going to be a disappointing year. They'll make the play-offs but they won't go anywhere.

- All you GM Wanna B's , you Know Better's , you Negatives, the BigThree will be back next year with Rondo. Get used to it. Have fun with your fantasies, but try to stay connected with reality. If you ain't a fan, then don't pretend to be a fan. LoLPosted by RajonRondowski

TAKE A PHOTO TONIGHT, THIS IS LAST TIME YOU WILL SEE THIS GROUP TOGETHER !!! LOCKOUT ???

- All you GM Wanna B's , you Know Better's , you Negatives, the BigThree will be back next year with Rondo. Get used to it. Have fun with your fantasies, but try to stay connected with reality. If you ain't a fan, then don't pretend to be a fan. LoLPosted by RajonRondowski

SKI...I agree that the BIG 3 will be back next year. I read in a sports journal somewhere---don't recall the source---that Kobe could become a Celtic...UGH !!!

Remember when Jeter was not immediately gobbled up by the Yankees and there was talk the Red Sox would love him & quickly thereafter he was resigned. I do not believe the Lakers would ever let Kobe go to the Celtics.

As a spetuagenarian I like older guys still able to compete in sports and I believe, irrespective how far the Celtics continue in the playoffs, the Big 3 have another year in them perhaps all playing 1/2 minutes. And you know, although Kobe is a DIVA, but far fetched as it is, if he did come to Boston, Garnett & group would not let him have his way as he has done with LA. With Rondo healthy next year, Jeff Green & Delonte West now more experienced working with this team, we should consider getting rid of BBD & somehow get a young powerful center. Don't know if we can get Howard, maybe need to offer Rondo with BBD and some $ & draft picks.

- All you GM Wanna B's , you Know Better's , you Negatives, the BigThree will be back next year with Rondo. Get used to it. Have fun with your fantasies, but try to stay connected with reality. If you ain't a fan, then don't pretend to be a fan. LoLPosted by RajonRondowski

I am a fan and I am not pretending. I believe that there is a real chance that Danny will trade Rondo this off season. He traded Perkins in a package including a draft pick. He has publicly said that Red made a mistake by not trading Bird/McHale. I think that Rondo is his best chip right now and Danny will put it in play.

In Response to Same Team Next Year - Get Used to it. : I am a fan and I am not pretending. I believe that there is a real chance that Danny will trade Rondo this off season. He traded Perkins in a package including a draft pick. He has publicly said that Red made a mistake by not trading Bird/McHale. I think that Rondo is his best chip right now and Danny will put it in play.Posted by prakash

Just wondering? What percentage of a hard salary cap should a point guard that can't shoot take up? Should he take up 15% of the salary cap, 20% of the salary cap?

I don't understand why fans conjecturing about the future of the Celtics is in some way being "disloyal" or not being a fan. Perhaps they'd like to see a different make-up to the team? Debating strategy or debating future "moves" is inherent to being a "fan." Liking the make-up of a team regardless, is akin to being brain dead. People can have views and opinions and not be disloyal fans. If the Celtics come back with fundamentally the same group next year it is going to be a disappointing year. They'll make the play-offs but they won't go anywhere.Posted by walton

I agree, I get tired of the "disloyal" talk around here. How loyal are professional athletes when they leave town for more dollars? Talking about your team's supposed strengths and weaknesses and looking at other NBA rosters and studying their potential FAs and draft picks is done for fun. People need to get a clue. I'm loyal to my country, my family, my friends, etc. I can have fun throwing trade ideas and still support my team.

The only value the C's have to trade is Rondo + other parts, other parts being Ray or Green basically. Baby isn't under contract next year and he could be gone but isn't the Celtics property to trade unless he is resigned. I don't see KG or Pierce being dealt.

Best chance for next year is to return this group with a new plan in the middle, one not named Oneal and a 2 guard that allows for Ray to play less minutes and maybe come off the bench.

After next year, when all that salary comes off the books is when the next big move will come.

I don't understand why fans conjecturing about the future of the Celtics is in some way being "disloyal" or not being a fan. Perhaps they'd like to see a different make-up to the team? Debating strategy or debating future "moves" is inherent to being a "fan." Liking the make-up of a team regardless, is akin to being brain dead. People can have views and opinions and not be disloyal fans. If the Celtics come back with fundamentally the same group next year it is going to be a disappointing year. They'll make the play-offs but they won't go anywhere.Posted by walton

I too believe the Big 3 plus Rondo will return next year. I also believe Jeff Green, Baby and Delonte will return. Not so with Doc. I think he is done.

However, I DO NOT believe each of the Big 3 plus Rondo will FINISH next season as Celtics. They all will return but I doubt they will all be on the roster at season's end.

Although I can see the Celtics involved in a huge trade sending an expiring contract of either Ray or KG (or both) somewhere at the deadline, I honestly believe they will respect the contributions of both and let them play the season out and retire gracefully, thus opening up at least $31 million of cap space.

Depending on the CBA, that may or may not be worth much considering our salary cap figure. That is why, from a business standpoint, the Celtics "may" have to move them if only to get back a serviceable player(s) or better who they can mold as a long-time Celtic.

In Response to Same Team Next Year - Get Used to it. : I am a fan and I am not pretending. I believe that there is a real chance that Danny will trade Rondo this off season. He traded Perkins in a package including a draft pick. He has publicly said that Red made a mistake by not trading Bird/McHale. I think that Rondo is his best chip right now and Danny will put it in play.Posted by prakash

I agree & with the current hoopla (no pun intended) about Westbrook's hoisting too many shots, perhaps we could get him straight up for Rondo..Just stating

In Response to Re: Same Team Next Year - Get Used to it. : I agree & with the current hoopla (no pun intended) about Westbrook's hoisting too many shots, perhaps we could get him straight up for Rondo..Just statingPosted by tomobo

Click..... that is the sound on the other end when Danny proposes Rondo for Westbrook.......